English as a Second Language Week

October 23-29, 2011
Communities declared ESL Week


ESL Week 2011 Contest Activities
ESL week is a significant part of our efforts to raise awareness of the importance of English language learning opportunities for new comers to Canada. All individuals involved with learning, teaching and organizing ESL in Ontario are invited to participate in our ESL week contests.
There will be a $500 grand prize for the winning entry from across all categories. The grand prize winner and all first place winners from each individual category will receive an invitation to the President's Reception at the TESL Ontario Annual Conference in Toronto where they will be honoured for their contributions. TESL Ontario will cover travel expenses for the grand prize winner and all first place winners receiving an invitation to the President's Reception.
Submissions from the grand prize winner and all first place winners will be published/displayed on the TESL Ontario Website, and where appropriate, in our electronic magazine CONTACT as well as on TESL Ontario social media platforms.
Please review the **entry guidelines** carefully before you begin working on your project. If your submission does not follow the entry guidelines it will be not be accepted for the contest.


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As an ESL learner or student you know firsthand how an ESL program can make a difference in your adjustment to living in Canada. Show your support of ESL Week by participating in one of the following activities.
Learners from all publically funded language training programs, school boards and private language schools are welcome to participate.
Writing Activities for ESL Learners/Students
Put your language education to the test by submitting a writing piece in one of the following writing categories.
Short Story Contest**
  • Written by an individual learner or student
Essay Contest
  • Written by an ESL learner or student on subjects such as:

    • Experiences of immigrating to Canada
    • Experiences of learning a new language
    • How learning English changed your life
    • What motivates you to learn English
    • How your language instructor/teacher has made a difference in your life
    • Success Stories
Poetry Contest
  • Written by ESL learner/student on subjects such as:

    • Learning a new language
    • Arriving/Living in a new country
    • What you love about your new home
ESL Blog Contest - free blog software can be accessed online at http://wordpress.org/
  • Written by an individual learner or a group of learners from the same class on subjects related to being a newcomer in Canada such as:

    • Learning a new language
    • Adjusting to a new country
    • Navigating the 'system' to become integrated into Canadian society, workforce, culture etc.
    • Adjusting to Canadian culture/way of life
Media Activities for ESL Learners/Students
Show off your creativity by participating in one of the following Media activities for ESL Week.
Short Film/Documentary/News Piece Contest - video must be uploaded to You Tube for submission
Poster Design Contest
  • The theme of this year's conference is: Language Learning: A Focus on Success

    • Posters should be a representation of the diversity of ESL learners across Ontario
Photo Contest
  • A single photo or photo collage that relates to learning the English language such as:

    • A photo or collage of an ESL classroom in action
    • A photo or collage of how you are using your new language skills in your daily life
    • A photo or collage of how learning English can help you to adjust to living in Canada